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Blue Bottle Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
315 Linden St(between Octavia St & Gough St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 252-7535
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1320 reviews for Blue Bottle Coffee
Review Highlights
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"My favorite was definitely the New Orleans Iced Coffee." In 73 reviews -
"Really, really fabulous drip coffee." In 182 reviews -
"The latte is delish and smooth as can be." In 198 reviews
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1320 reviews in English
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Review from Vicki L.
This morning, my heart broke a little when I sipped on my Starbuck's latte.....
I didn't think it was possible to miss a coffee shop this much, definitely a first for me. I had heard that Blue Bottle Coffee was good, but I had no idea it was that amazing until I took that first sip.
My friends and I walked over 30 minutes to get here on a beautiful Saturday morning just to try their coffee. I ended up getting a soy latte for under $4! Was thoroughly impressed by their quality and their latte art! I had never gotten latte art before so I was extremely excited when my drink came with it.
Literally, I don't think I've ever had a better latte in my life. This place is kind of located in a small alley that's literally a hole in the wall place. But don't worry, it's easy to spot this place because there's always a long line of people waiting to order their coffee. And there's some small benches and rocks in front of the store for you to sit on and enjoy your amazing latte.
If you're in the area and want probably some of the best coffee you'll ever try, come here!
Tremendous quality for the ridiculous price! Now everytime I drink Starbucks, my coffee palate cries a little. -
Review from Tristan J.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
Me: "I'll have a coffee"
Guy (assuming I want cream): "Whole milk okay?"
Me: "I drink it black"
Guy (doubting): "Have you had our *extra-fancy-whatever* coffee before? It's extra-fancy-strong"
Me: "That's fine."
Guy (still doubting): "Here's the coffee with room for cream, taste it and tell me if its okay. I'll fill it up if it is."
Me (sip; thumbs up)
Guy (grabs milk on accident): "Sorry force of habbit"
I felt like Billy Bob in Bad Santa. "I don't want any fucking sandwiches. What is it with you and fixin' fucking sandwiches?" -
Review from Clarice W.
Lawrence, KS
5/21/2012
I will not argue with all the other coffee lovers that say the coffee here tastes wonderful: my cappucino was rich and nutty with just the right amount of milk, and beautifully crafted with a coffee art leaf. But in my opinion, Blue Bottle made an egregious error with my drink - it was not nearly hot enough. I did recently receive a kind message from one of the owners explaining that the milk is steamed to a certain temperature to bring out natural sweetness...so +1 for excellent dedication to customer service! But still, if you're like me and prefer something hotter, be sure to specify when you order.
Other things to note about Blue Bottle: cappucinos come in short (8 oz) sizes, lattes in 12oz; soy substitutes are free; ordering is a bit messy if the line is long; bizarre location (literally a hole in the wall in the middle of an alley) so be on the lookout!
Overall I'd give Blue Bottle 3.5 stars...but personally, I'd rather go to Philz where my coffee is guaranteed piping hot every time. -
Review from Kathy L.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I crave for Blue Bottle Coffee at times. Before I never really knew that there could be such delicious coffee until my boyfriend brought me here. I usually get the latte since it has that perfect consistency of sweetness and bitterness.
The atmosphere is great if you're looking for some peace and quiet even though it's right by Oak & Fell St. It's best to come on a hot day so that you can grab some coffee and sit by the park or right across the kiosk on little seats. -
Review from Louisa T.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love their coffee here, but seriously, the lattes are 5 star worthy. I personally like Blue Bottle Coffee a lot so coming here when I was in the city was a no brainer. However, the location of this particular one is so much of a hole in the wall. It's located in a somewhat residential area and the store front looks like an opened garage.... hard to describe, but nothing like your typical "coffee shop." I do however like the fact that they have a little bench across their little street that has a nice bench for the occasional warm weather in SF that you can enjoy your coffee outdoor. Go check it out.
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Review from Dan K.
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
AWESOME. Hidden away in an alleyway and no signage to indicate that great coffee is served in this little garage-converted-to-storefront, Blue Bottle will not disappoint.
Order the New Orlean's Iced Coffee for a nice warm summer day. Woo! That is one tasty coffee. Perfectly light, with a hint of sweet and cream from the milk, the New Orlean's Iced Coffee is definitely one of the better iced Joes I've ever had.
GF got the latte. The foam made my day. The end. -
Review from Katy S.
4/24/2012
Such good coffee is not always easy to find in the US, even in a city like SF!
Consistently great espresso. We became regulars while on a long business visit to the city and it stood up very well.
For Australians missing quality coffee - try a cappuccino for an I-can't-believe-it's-not-flat-white experience. -
Review from Regina A.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2012
They tout serving coffee within 2 days, max, after it's been roasted. Sometimes, it's those little things that makes a tremendous difference. A coffee fanatic, I get my fix at Blue Bottle.
They're in multiple locations but I recommend 2 specific ones: Hayes Valley & Ferry Building in the Embarcadero.
Hayes Valley is somewhat of a hidden treasure with a string of unique shops. It's a small patch of SF, which you can scavenge in 20min.
Ferry Building in the Embarcadero is an upscale food market. Here you'll find "organic", "locally-sourced", and "artisanal" in every food stand. Step outside of the marketplace and you get a beautiful view of the Bay Bridge.Listed in: Top 3 SF Coffee Institutions
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Review from Barb L.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2012
They are great - almost 100% of the time...we are human, after all...I might not be smiling all day and I am in customer service : ) Yes, it's a little pricey...but they offer a great product and service. I'd gladly wait in line.
I work close by and visit regularly...they know me by my name and drink(s) of choice! When I switched from ordering macchiato to americano, they were so cute! : ) Mary Ellen...she's so sweet...
I once bumped into one of the nice gentleman (John) on a Saturday while I was strolling the area waiting for my daughter to get out of a class....he greeted me kindly on his day off!!! We chatted a little....it's lovely to see that there are happy people in the world...working and enjoying their work...it shows. -
Review from Holly O.
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
So cute!! I was visiting from out of town, and my friend and I wanted coffee after our lunch, so I used my Yelp App on my phone to find this place, and loved it!
So cute that you walk right up to it, but yet it's still a storefront. And the coffee was delicious - got a cappuccino. And finally, loved the coffee art on top :) -
Review from Luther A.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
T h e m o s t o v e r r a t e d c o f f e e i n S a n F r a n c i s c o . Some self-esteemed alchemist hath dark roasted beans better roasted lightly. Faux pas and evident in their blends. Credit their low radar presence and architectural affect for the long lines of devotees. Philz is far and away the most masterfully blended coffee and best straight espresso in the city.
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Review from Arezou K.
Menlo Park, CA
5/15/2012
i really liked the coffee (drip) and the mocha. the coffee was very smooth, low acidity but full bodied, which i like. the mocha was also very smooth and tasted perfect, not too sweet, and not bitter. i liked the ambience as well, will definitely come here more often.
oh, and the people who work here are the best! one of them actually told us that if we like good coffee, we should check out another coffee shop that has recently opened, even though they are their competitor :D and she gave us the name of a few good places around the city. -
Review from Liz B.
Indianapolis, IN
5/11/2012
I LOVE this place! If you are stolled down the street a little too quickly you might miss it though. It is tucked away down a fancified alley that couldn't have a better ambiance. The baristas here are always in good spirits and the coffee is ah-mazing. A macchiato (comes Italian style...no carmel!) is the way to go! Smooth, delicious with a design in the foam to boot! This place is all outdoors so if its a rainy day this might not be the best choice...but on a nice day, PERFECT!
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Review from Sheena M.
4/9/2012 2 photos
In the category of micro-roasters or "craft" coffee, Blue Bottle can't be beat. The allure of the alley way location, standing room only, and limited menu is too enticing to pass up. There were only a few people in line ahead of my group as we strolled in on a sunny afternoon. They each had espresso and I had the "New Orleans" style iced coffee. Our drinks were prepared right in front of us, offered up with a smile, and did not disappoint. The espresso was roasty, sweet, rich and offered all the dark notes a great espresso should. My iced coffee was perfect, light, and needed no additional sweetener what-so-ever. It was perfect once we got back in the sun.
The caffeine buzz lasted well into the afternoon and left me longing for one more... -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012
The original Blue Bottle location in an alley has a warehouse feel. I love their coffee but I'm not as fond of this location (vs. the one at the Ferry Building) because:
(1) Lack of pastries: for breakfast all they had were cookies and cakes
(2) Cash only
I'm also not thrilled about the lack of seating and how drinks come in one size, but that's true of their Ferry Plaza location as well. However, the non-fat lattes ($3.75) are made with skill. The end result is rich and smooth.
The snickerdoodle cookie ($2) I had was thick and chewy. I liked the flavor but it didn't taste like a snickerdoodle (didn't have cinnamon).
The cash only part bothers me the most though. -
Review from Jessica Lei D.
San Mateo, CA
4/16/2012
the coffee was wonderful. no complaints there. 5 stars.
the service, however, left A LOT to be desired. the female barista who "helped" my friends and i:
1 - did not offer me an 8oz americano like she did to the gentleman who ordered after us,
2 - rudely responded "uhh...mochas already have espresso in it......" with this tone that says "are you a *bleeping* idiot!?" to my friend who inquired about adding espresso to a mocha. not everyone knows their coffee...that's why you're there to "help",
3 - rudely (again!? yes. again. this review isn't looking good, is it?) asked--and i use that term lightly because it was more like snapped--"...are you guys even gonna order anything?" to my friends who stood farther back in line. how about a pleasant, "i can take all of your orders if you're in the same group" or "what can i get for yall?" or "will you be ordering something as well?"
are you seriously in the customer service industry, lady? sure, she can make a cup of joe but judging by the way she handled my party, a job that requires less interpersonal interactions might be better. i would love to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she was having a bad day or whatever but the service i personally received was a cold 180 from the service the dude after me got so there's something odd going on there...
business owners, if you read this, i'd suggest an attitude adjustment for your barista. i would hate for another group of adults looking to enjoy a great cup of coffee to receive the kind of (dis)service i did.
blue bottle coffee in general, 5 stars. this location's service, -3. -
Review from Dani K.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
I drink my coffee with no sweetener.
So I can't fool myself.
Wasn't always like this-- would drink venti starbucks with so much sugar I could not stir it. This is when I was young and naive.
Then went to Blue Bottle.
Tasted real coffe. And never went back.
Get their beans and get a drip. Maybe get an iced coffee.
Will make you a coffee snob. That is a good thing. Life is to short to drink mediocre coffee. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2012
Finally tried my BBC at the warehouse/no seater shack on Linden. I got th
Latte $3.75/ Smooth.
Ginger Molasses cookie/ $2 - It had a nice bit but I still prefer the cookie from Peets.
I think Coffee Bar is just as good if not better -
Review from Kevin J.
2/29/2012 10 Check-ins Here
Please tell me who doesn't love a random alleyway filled with innocent bystanders drinking copious amounts of caffeine in an attempt to start there day? No matter what time it is Linden Street is always a popular SF destination. The cozy garage door coffee shop is one of the best known places in the bay area to get your buzz on.
That little blue bottle is taunting for sure so even if it's your eighth cup of the day make sure to check this place out. You wont regret it. -
Review from Lola D.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
Regularly walked over to Blue Bottle from civic center with several of my co workers for our afternoon coffee break. I swore this place off because although the coffee is excellent the staff members think they are superior to their customers. Regularly saw employees roll their eyes at customer questions. Now we go to Philz on Van Ness. If I have friends visiting from out of town and they say they want to go to blue bottle I always recommend Philz, Four Barrel, Ritual...anyplace but here. If you insist on blue bottle, go to the SF Shopping Centre location...staff is less rude from what I hear.
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Review from Alyssa G.
3/11/2012
It never ceases to impress me how willing San Franciscans can be to stand in line in a windy alley for there's-no-telling-how-long for a good cup of coffee. You won't see anyone huffing and puffing about the wait, there's just an unspoken contract that if you wait patiently, delicious coffee can be yours but that's the only way you're going to get it!
The espresso is top notch, as are the pastries (while limited). Try the shortbread or the Michael Recchiuti chocolate cookie.
I think the best part about this location is the location. I imagine it would be pretty hard not to have a good time in the heart of Hayes Valley. -
Review from Kristine A.
Portland, OR
4/28/2012
no lines when I wandered by midafternoon, midweek-ish and got a latte. Didn't realize it was kind of a big deal until now. It was so good that I sought out another location near my hotel the next day and was really disappointed. Coming from Portland, OR I have a very high yuppy/hipster/snob tolerance level but their sit down location was ridiculous. At least PDX can usually do a little tongue in cheek laughing at it's pretentiousness. Let's just say, I almost faced the day coffee-less. Since that is pretty much my main food group, that is a serious insult.
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Review from Ashley P.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
I live right next door to this coffee kiosk. And like many others stated, I LOVE the New Orleans iced coffee. It's delicious! I have to limit myself to how often I treat myself to BBC- living next door is a big temptation. ;)
I eventually need to try their hot chocolate...and visit one of the other locations.
Cash only here...what else? If you're a tried and true, dyed in the wool Starbucks fan you might be disappointed...the sizes are a bit smaller here, but you're paying for quality.
The workers are friendly and conversational. -
Review from Amanda C.
4/19/2012
I'm not a coffee drinker and I can't really appreciate good coffee but I can appreciate excellent service in a great location. This place was just across the street from where I was staying at a friends house and I'm say I didn't get to visit more often. I got a cafe au lait ($3.25) but should have gotten a latte. The coffee was fine but my favorite part was seeing the two handsome guys work the heck out of the coffee machine and then sit in the sunlight on the bench across from the store and soak up the rays. I really wish I had a place like this near my house!
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Review from Laurie H.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
There's not much I can add about Blue Bottle coffee, so mostly this is for the service.
I still love this location best. I only buy beans but boy do I take my time pickin' my beans. So last week I stop in and I'm eyeballing all the bags, and reading all the descriptions of the ones that aren't always on the menu, and they couldn't have been more helpful. Nicely checking in with me 3 or so different times to see if I had questions or needed help...all the while never stopping moving to make their coffees for the never-ending line that is Blue Bottle. Finally I picked one, and I mentioned that there was a bean that I've been missing for quite some time and it was what hooked me on Blue Bottle, and immediately the guy said "Yemen?" Oh wow. Yep....that was it. They've had different versions (or whatever the proper coffee-talk vernacular is) of a Yemen bean over the years, but the original one I can still taste. Mmmmm.
Anyway, picked my bag of beans, brought it home....and it was *okay*. The problem is they're competing against themselves with something that doesn't exist anymore and so they can't win. Not their fault...just my issue. So that's why I don't feel the need to only buy from Blue Bottle now....but if I'm anywhere near them I will stop in - and especially this location because they have awesome people. -
Review from Kate S.
Flagstaff, AZ
3/18/2012
I dream about their latte. A lot. My family lives in Portland OR and I have spent a good chunk of time drinking Stumptown lattes and Blue Bottle is just as good, if not better. (Sorry family, if you're reading this please don't disown me.) It's smooth and the perfect espresso/milk ratio. Mmmm.
Even when it's super busy the baristas are always nice and genuinely seem to enjoy their job. I like that. -
Review from Lisa W.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012
Color me addicted because like the Black Eyed Peas, I just can't get enough.
The distant memories of their New Orleans Styled Ice Coffee got me shivering profusely from the BBC withdrawal. I'm experiencing changes in appetite because nothing tastes equally as creamy as their beautifully smooth, individually dripped coffee. Just thinking about its incredible richness and robust flavors is causing sudden unexplained fluttering in the deep chambers of my heart. I'm going crazy - too many mysterious changes in my personality with no other reason to attribute to except my constant need for your coffee. My mood swings are uncontrollable and the angry outbursts are more than anyone can bear.
Blue Bottle, you got me good. I'm addicted to your juice and I just can't get enough.Listed in: Coffee, the drug that keeps me…
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Review from Ramon T.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2012
I went to this Blue Bottle Coffee location after all the good things I heard about BBC. Sadly, it's not at all it hyped to be. The only thing that should be hyped about is how Expensive this is.
The place is small, and the line is long. Not worth-it to stand in line for an expensive cup of coffee. -
Review from Jessica L.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love the coffee, love the random outdoor area as well. Sip the coffee and ponder life. Love!
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Review from Jason A.
1/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Phenomenal coffee! Smooth with a great finish. There's no place to sit, so grab and go. If you drive, you'll have to have a friend jump out while you wait in the car, or you can try to find metered parking somewhere.
The latte is out of this world. One of the best I've had. try it! -
Review from Kiki M.
2/21/2012
It is nice that the Bay Area has finally caught up with Portland and Chicago (and New York, via Portland), and now has a local premium coffee roaster. Blue Bottle can't compete with the premium coffee in other major cities, but it is definitely better than stale Bunn-O-Matic drippings.
I had my perfect San Francisco experience drinking my coffee on a shady park bench outside this Blue Bottle location with some sparrows (they were not interested in my olive oil shortbread crumbs, sadly), watching some jerk illegally park his Porsche stroll over for an espresso. So San Francisco! -
Review from Nina B.
1/19/2012
Sometimes I wish I lived in San Francisco just so I could go to Blue Bottle with my husband on a regular basis. We always enjoy visiting this delightful cozy place when we're in SF.
With a menu full of delicious options, you can't go wrong with any of the beverage or food choices here. My favorite eats include perfectly poached eggs on toast, delicious granola and pastries with a flair, such as a unique spice in a classic offering.
Don't be scared away if there is a long line outside of the building -- it moves relatively quickly in our experience.
Oh, and I guarantee you'll be mesmerized by the coffee machines! :) -
Review from Karen C.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
So far the best coffee I've ever had. Love their cappuccino.
The baristas in this kiosk have always been friendly and they seem better skilled than the ones in the Ferry building. I've tried the branch in Ferry building and it wasn't as good as the one from this kiosk.
It sucks a bit that there aren't really much seating but there's a nice sunny small park down the block where you can sit down and enjoy your coffee. -
Review from Linda T.
Irvine, CA
3/4/2012
One of the saddest things for me when I left San Francisco...was you. I have yet to find a replacement down in socal for coffee that remotely compares to your smoothness and taste.
i am such a fan that my friends know to buy a bag of bella donovan when they come visit me down here.
I miss you. -
Review from Frank W.
San Bruno, CA
1/26/2012
I really wish I could see the appeal everybody else apparently sees in Blue Bottle Coffee. I got a cappuccino last time and a chocolate mint cookie or something like that. I think I liked the cookie more than I liked the cappuccino. That and my drink was so dinky depressing... On the other hand it made me feel like a giant:).
Maybe I'm just used to crappy starbucks coffee and American sized drinks.. Or maybe I'm just not hipster enough to enjoy high class coffee. Maybe if I bought a plaid shirt and some skinny jeans I'd enjoy it more...
There is room for exploration... -
Review from Shivani S.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012
Love the mocha -- I come to the hayes valley location often on sunday mornings.
If i go to the ferry building farmers market on saturdays I go to the that location. -
Review from Rose A.
Great coffee. Friendly staff. Quick service.
Can't go wrong with a Soy Latte. -
Review from Bryan R.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the highlights to living in Hayes Valley is its close proximity to a number of fantastic cafes, with Blue Bottle being the best of the lot. Tucked away on the tranquil, inviting Linden street, it's usually easy to spot this gem by the line that's often spilling into the street, but don't be intimidated, it moves fast. Bring cash and a craving and I guarantee you will walk away pleased. Their coffee is practically a religious experience. I recommend the drip coffee, which is individually prepared right in front of you. if your pockets are deep, spring for a latte or mocha -- but be prepared to pay for a "small" size what you'd normally pay for a large at most other cafes. But hey, we are talking quality over quantity here! You will taste the difference, and there are many fine reviews here on yelp to back that claim up.
Being a kiosk, seating is limited. You'll find a few benches nearby and plenty of well-shaded (and very clean) sidewalks. If you've never been down Linden St, this may sound uninviting--trust me, it's anything but! Linden is a nice place to hang out, feeling more like a park than a street (mind the occasional slow-driving car, though). With Hayes Green park just up the road on Octavia, this is a very family and kid-friendly part of town where you can feel at ease. So order a cup, take the kids to the jungle gym, relax and don't worry about being hassled for change at every turn. -
Review from Sarah K.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This coffee joint is literally a hole in the wall, but in a reinvented sort of way. They lift up a garage door, and there's the shop and the accoutrements inside.
I had heard some very good things about Blue Bottle coffee; the brew surpassed my expectations (I love it when that happens!).
There's a limited menu, but who needs tons of lavish drinks when the items are prepared to perfection? I sure don't.
The cappuccino was phenomenal. The coffee has a smooth yet bold flavor, with absolutely no bitterness. No sugar needed either (and this is coming from a sweetened coffee addict).
I'm in love. I want more. If only I lived in San Francisco... -
Review from Phoebe R.
Colorado Springs, CO
2/4/2012
The Linden (alley) location is one of my favorites - great repurposing of an alley (not dirty in comparison to most) and the neighborhood is perfect for walking and talking and sipping. This was a cash only location like many places in San Francisco so remember to hit the ATM.
Just make sweet love to this coffee already! You will have no regrets. I'm in full-blown stalker mode on Blue Bottle. We are forever friends. Oh god do they love me back?
We went to three different locations - too many times to count over a two week period - and they were all great.
Drinks I tried at various Blue Bottle locations:
Caffe Latte
Hot Chocolate - with TCHO chocolate
New Orleans style iced coffee
Single Origin Drip Coffee
Cappuccino
Stuff I brought home:
Granola
Honduras Yarasquin Farms (whole beans)
I give all those items 5 stars. The staff seemed quite knowledgeable and even the hipster vibe was so fitting it made my day.
